After enjoying tons of Halloween events in NYC for kids, those trick-or-treat bags will probably be full to the brim with candies galore. While the little ones might be thrilled with their sweet situation, parents might be groaning instead. Not only will the grownups have to contend with tykes hyped up on sugar, but there’s the increased risk for cavities if those pearly whites aren’t brushed properly after a candy binge.
Luckily, there are organizations that will buy back Halloween candy and use them for a variety of good causes. Some groups collect treats to send to troops or distribute to ill children who can’t go trick or treating themselves. And since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, it’s only natural that dentists around the city will accept bags of candy to keep as much sticky sweets away from those baby teeth. Below, a few ways families can put their hard-earned candy to better use after trick-or-treating events with kids in NYC.
Operation Gratitude hosts an annual Halloween Candy GIVE-Back for deployed troops and first responders. Last year, the group collected 533,891 pounds of candy, so they mean business! Families, business and schools can host their own drive and ship treats to the organization. Registered collectors receive instructions, promotional materials and other resources to organize a successful drive in their neighborhood. And if you’d just like to hand off your excess goodies, simply browse for a participating drop-off location near you.
Halloween Candy Buy Back is an annual event that partners up with Operation Shoebox to collect sweets for military members. Participating businesses host local buy back events, which can be found through the site’s database, and in return offer up cash, xylitol products, coupons, toothbrushes, hygiene kits and more.
Soldier’s Angels Treats for Troops collects extra candy from local businesses and families looking to keep kids from overeating sweets. You can search for a local drop-off site online to have excess Halloween candy shipped to service members and veterans. Some spots offer buy back rewards or cash and the sweet donation is tax deductible.
Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The New Musical on Broadway (205 W 46th St) will accept candy donations on November 5th from 10am–11:30am.
Inwood Girl Scout Troop #3203 will host a candy drive at the Good Shepherd Church (4967 Broadway) daily through November 11th from 8am–6pm.
Operation Shoebox sends care packages to troops around the world and adds treats into every box. Year round, the organization accepts individually wrapped candies that can be mailed to Belleview, Florida. We'd avoid sending any chocolate, though...it gets hot there!
Any Soldier provides an online database that families can search for specific requests from soldiers stationed overseas. Find service members under any chosen military branch who could use a care package to sweeten up their day and add in a few more essential items they’re in need of to make it even better.
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